G. A. WOOD by G. A. Wood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 13, 1916

G. A. WOOD

By G. A. Wood

Java

G. A. WOOD

My wife and I have been in east Java about three years, and we are enjoying our work among the different nationalities represented here. Recently we have gone out to the various towns to secure subscriptions for our Malay and Chinese papers, with an encouraging measure of success, for which we praise the Lord. Hundreds whom we could not very well reach in any other way at present, can be reached with the printed page. We pray earnestly that God will graciously water the seed thus sown, and grant a rich harvest at the final ingathering.

As we travel through the rural districts on these tours, and see the laborers at their toil, we are reminded of the work of the Saviour as he mingled with the multitudes amid similar surroundings. In many places there seems to be nothing to mar the picture, except sin, and oftentimes it is the sin of ignorance, for many in this fair land are totally ignorant of the One who supplies their daily needs. And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Both this year and last the people have given well in the Harvest Ingathering campaign. We still have some papers left, which will help to swell the fund. It is really encouraging to see how the paper is received, notwithstanding it is in a different language from the one generally spoken here.

While the number of converts has not been large, some of those won from the darkness of heathenism are gaining a real experience in the things of God. Some have a burden to win their relatives and near friends, and servants too. Is not this one of the evidences of the Spirit's work upon the heart?

During the year just past seven persons followed their Lord in baptism, and enlisted in the ranks of the Lord's host. We earnestly pray that they may be kept from evil ways, and be reckoned among the saved at last.

One thing which encourages us is, that while we are not free to work everywhere, our members are, through force of circumstances, scattered all about.

Just now one of our Dutch sisters is seriously ill. My wife has been at her home all night, doing what she could to cooperate with the Great Healer. This poor woman has been sorely tried for months. We know God can, if he will, rebuke the disease.

As the Week of Prayer Readings were late in arriving, we are having them this first week of the new year. Some are receiving help, and we trust that more will be helped before the week closes.